Queensland winger Glen Vaihu has fired a warning shot to New Zealand schools after nabbing a hat-trick in the Australian Schools and U18s win over Fiji in their opening tour match in Hamilton.
The Aussies beat Fiji 39-7 on Thursday afternoon, with the Gregory Terrace flyer emerging as a weapon for the Aussies in their seven-try showing.
Waratahs Academy winger Joe Suaalii also notched a double, with Will Roach and Josh Flook also crossing.
After announcing a 27-man squad on Monday, the Aussies opened their tour witha solid win in the first of three games they will play on tour over the next eight days.
Matches against New Zealand Schools Barbarians and the New Zealand Schoolboys will round out the tour.
RESULT
Australian Schools and U18 39
Tries: Glen Vaihu 3, joe Suaalii 2, Will Roach, Josh Flook
Cons: Reesjan Pasitoa 2
Fijian Schools 7
TEAM
1. Harrison Vella, Reds Academy
2. Billy Pollard, Waratahs Academy
3. Zane Nonggorr, Reds Academy
4. Hugh Bokenham, Waratahs Academy
5. Thomas Hooper, Brumbies Academy
6. Zephania Tuinona, Brumbies Academy
7. William Roach, Reds Academy
8. Keynan Tauakipulu, Reds Academy
9. Lachlan Albert, Brumbies Academy
10. Reesjan Pasitoa, Brumbies
11. Glen Vaihu, Reds Academy
12. Mosese Tuipulotu, Rebels Academy
13. Joshua Flook, Reds Academy
14. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Waratahs Academy
15. Dion Samuela, Reds Academy
Reserves:
16. George Blake, Reds Academy
17. Daniel Botha, Waratahs Academy
18. Malachi Hawkes, Waratahs Academy
19. Joe Brial, Waratahs Academy
20. Alexander Masibaka, RugbyWA Academy
21. Kalani Thomas, Reds Academy
22. Anthony Alofipo, Brumbies Academy
23. John Connolly, NSW Waratahs
SCHEDULE
Australia v Fiji Schools, Hilcrest High School, Hamilton, Thursday 26 September at 12:30pm AEST
Australia v New Zealand Barbarian Schools, Hamilton Boys High School, Hamilton, Monday 30 September at 10:05am AEST
Australia v New Zealand Schools, St Pauls Collegiate, Hamilton, Friday 4 October at 1:05pm AEST
